FUCULTY OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT : HUMANITIES
QUALIFICATION : B ED SP & FET (HUMANITIES)
MODULE NAME : SOCIAL SCIENCES (GEOGRAPHY)
MODULE CODE : SOS15MO
LECTURE NAME : MRS NKAMISA
GROUP LEADER : A.T STUURMAN (0633376393)
Due DATE : 21 September 2023
TOPIC : DISCUSS THE IMPORTANCE OF GEOGRAPHIC
INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) IN GEOGRAPHY

SURNAME INITIAL STUDENT NO

NCATSHA E 220358303

NGQIKA A 222251301

LUFUNDO S 222636416

NJONGO N 223137146

MADOTYENI A 231284985

STUURMAN A. T 231338066

MASWANGANYI H.K 231142811

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TABLE OF CONTENT

COVER PAGE 1
INTRODUCTION 2
IMPORTANCE OF (GIS) IN 3,4
GEOGRAPHY
THE COLLECTION,ANALYSING 4,5,6
DATA OF (GIS)& IMAGES
EXAMPLES OF (GIS) & IMAGES 7,8
JOBS OF (GIS) 8,9
CONCLUSION 9
REFRENCES 10

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INTRODUCTION

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a powerful tool in geography that plays a

crucial role in analysing and interpreting spatial data. It allows geographers to
capture, store, manipulate, analyse and present geographic information in a digital
format. The importance of GIS in geography cannot be overstated as it enhances
our understanding of the Earth's physical and human processes.

With GIS, geographers can create maps that not only display the physical features of
an area but also incorporate various layers of data such as population density, land
use, climate patterns, and transportation networks. This enables them to identify
spatial relationships, patterns, and trends that may not be immediately apparent.
GIS also allows for the integration of remote sensing data, satellite imagery, and GPS
data, providing a comprehensive view of the Earth's surface and its changes over
time.

Furthermore, GIS aids in spatial analysis, enabling geographers to conduct complex

analyses and modelling to solve geographic problems. It supports decision-making
processes by providing tools for site selection, resource management, disaster
planning, and urban development, among others. GIS is also used in various fields
such as environmental management, transportation planning, public health, and
emergency response.

THE IMPORTANCE OF USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM IN

GEOGRAPHY

Geographic information systems (GIS) are crucial tools in the field of geography as
they allow for the collection, analysis, visualization, and interpretation of geographic
data. They provide geographers with the ability to analyse spatial patterns,
relationships, and trends, leading to a better understanding of various phenomena
and processes.

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One of the key benefits of GIS in geography is its ability to integrate multiple layers
of geographical data, such as land use, population density, elevation, climate, and
natural resources. By combining and analysing these various datasets, GIS enables
geographers to make informed decisions and provide valuable insights into issues
related to urban planning, transportation, environmental management, and resource
allocation.

GIS also plays a vital role in mapping and visualization. With the use of GIS
software, geographers can create accurate and detailed maps, which are essential
for understanding spatial patterns and relationships. These maps can be used for
navigation, land-use planning, disaster management, biodiversity conservation, and
many other applications. Additionally, GIS allows for the creation of dynamic and
interactive maps that can be easily updated and shared with others.

Furthermore, GIS facilitates spatial analysis, enabling geographers to study and

understand spatial patterns and processes more effectively. They can perform spatial
modelling, spatial statistics, and geostatistical analysis to identify patterns and
trends, assess impacts, and predict future scenarios. This helps geographers in
conducting research, planning strategies, and making evidence-based decisions.
(ESRI, 2021)

THE COLLECTION, ANALYSING , AND VISUALIZATION OF

GEOGRAPHIC DATA

1. Data integration and analysis: GIS allows for the integration of diverse
geographical datasets, such as satellite imagery, census data, and
environmental information, into a single platform. This enables geographers
to analyse and understand spatial relationships, patterns, and trends. For
instance, GIS has been
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 used to study urban growth and identify suitable locations for infrastructure
development (Batty, 2013).

2. Mapping and visualization: GIS technology is integral to creating accurate and

informative maps. Geographers can utilize GIS to generate maps that display various
geographic characteristics, such as topography, land use, and demographic data.
These maps provide important visual representations that aid in understanding
spatial distributions and making informed decisions (Goodchild et al., 2017).

3. Spatial modelling and analysis: GIS facilitates spatial modelling and analysis,
allowing geographers to simulate and predict real-world scenarios. By applying
spatial statistics and modelling techniques, GIS helps in identifying spatial patterns,

assessing impacts, and making predictions. For example, GIS has been used to
model the spread of diseases and inform public health strategies (Liu et al., 2020).

4. Decision-making and planning: GIS provides geographers with valuable tools for
making informed decisions and developing effective plans. By integrating spatial data
and conducting spatial analysis, GIS helps in identifying optimal locations for
facilities, assessing environmental impacts, and making evidence-based policy
decisions (Kwan, 2012).

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 EXAMPLES OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
Example:

A team of geographers is studying the impact of urbanization on natural resources in

a particular region. They aim to understand how land-use changes and population
growth have affected the availability of freshwater resources over the past decade.
To accomplish this, they utilize GIS to integrate and analyze various data sources,
such as land cover maps, elevation data, rainfall patterns, and population density.

Using GIS, the researchers can create spatial models that overlay the different data
layers, allowing them to identify areas where water resources are at risk. By
analysing changes in the land cover, they can determine how urban expansion and
infrastructure development have affected the availability of freshwater sources. GIS
enables them to assess the spatial distribution of these changes and identify areas
that require immediate attention for sustainable management of water resources.

Additionally, GIS enables the integration of statistical and demographic data,

allowing the researchers to identify correlations and patterns between urban growth
and changes in water availability. They can also use GIS tools to create predictive
models, projecting the future impact of urbanization on freshwater resources under
various scenarios.

The use of GIS in this study provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban
planners, and environmentalists. It helps them understand the complex relationship
between urbanization and natural resources, guiding decisions on land-use planning,
water resource management, and sustainable development. Batty, M. (2013

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GIS JOBS

GIS technology is used by people in many different fields. Science-related research,

resource management, and development planning can all be done using GIS
technology.

GIS is a popular tool used by retail companies to choose the best location for a new
store. GIS is used by marketing firms to determine to whom and where to sell
restaurants and retail establishments.

GIS is a tool that scientists use to compare population numbers to resources like
water. GIS is used by biologists to monitor animal migration patterns.

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In order to better prepare their reaction to a natural disaster like an earthquake or
hurricane, city, state, or federal officials employ GIS. GIS maps can show these
authorities where areas are most at risk, where to find emergency shelters, and the
best routes for people to take in order to get to safety.

The design, construction, and administration of communication networks for our

phones as well as the infrastructure required for internet connectivity are supported
by engineers using GIS technology. To create road networks and transportation
infrastructure, other engineers may use GIS.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GIS is a powerful technology that has transformed the way we

understand and analyse the world around us. It enables us to store, manage, and
analyse geospatial data to make informed decisions in a variety of fields.

Geographic Information System (GIS) plays a vital role in geography by providing

geographers with a powerful tool to collect, analyse and interpret spatial data. It
helps in integrating various types of data, performing spatial analysis, and enhancing
the field of cartography.

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REFRENCES

1. Yang, C., Huang, B., & Shan, J. (Eds.). (2019). Geographic Information Science:
12th International Conference, GIScience 2022, Xi'an, China, August 22–25, 2022,
Proceedings. Springer.

2. Longley, P. A., Goodchild, M. F., Maguire, D. J., & Rhind, D. W. (Eds.). (2020).
Geographic Information Systems and Science. John Wiley & Sons.

3. Wise, S. (2011). Geographic information systems and the neutralization of place.

Geography Compass, 5(12), 885-89

4.Batty, M. (2013). The new science of cities. MIT Press.

5.ESRI, 2021. Geographic Information System (GIS). Retrieved from:

https://www.esri.com/en-us/what-is-gis/overview

6.Goodchild, M. F., et al. (2017). Geographic Information Science and Systems. John
Wiley & Sons.

7. Kwan, M. P. (2012). How GIS can help address the uncertain geographic context
problem in social science research. Annals of GIS, 18(4), 245-255.

8. Liu, Y., et al. (2020). Spatial analysis of COVID-19 and GIS-based assessment of
mitigation strategies. Science of the Total Environment, 138786.

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